Every Lodge 281 meeting runs on more than ritual and good fellowship. Behind each Brother stands someone who irons the shirt, finds the missing cufflinks and keeps the dinner warm when the Festive Board runs late. This month, the wives and partners of St Johnston Lodge 281 took a well-earned day off from all of the above.
The WAGS headed to Belfast.
All Aboard
The day started at the station in Derry, where the ladies boarded the train for Belfast. The route along the coast past Castlerock and Coleraine gave everyone time to catch up, swap news and settle the important question of where to shop first. By the time the train pulled into Belfast, the plan was set.
Nobody asked about the minutes. Nobody checked the regalia case. For one day, the conversation belonged to the ladies.
Lunch at Jospers
The photograph tells the story better than any report. A long table at Jospers in Belfast. Empty plates. Full glasses. A table full of smiles. And a selfie taken by the lady with the longest arm, who deserves an honorary office for her camera work alone.
Reports from the table say the food was excellent, the chips disappeared fast and the dessert menu received close attention. Reports of the number of shopping bags on the train home remain unconfirmed. Husbands are advised to leave the bank statements alone until after Christmas.
The Journey Home
The return train gave the group a second chance to talk, laugh and compare purchases. Word reached St Johnston the ladies were in good form on arrival back in Derry, tired but happy, and already discussing a return trip.
More Than a Day Out
Freemasonry in Ireland has always been a family affair. The Lodge meets at Boathole Road, but the support reaches every home connected to Lodge 281. The ladies bake for our charity events, help at fundraisers and listen to more talk about candidates, ballots and Provincial visits than anyone should have to.
Days like this one strengthen the friendships behind the Lodge. Many of these women have known each other for years through Lodge events. Some met properly for the first time on the day. All of them came home friends.
A Thank You from the Brethren
To every wife, partner and lady who made the trip: thank you. Thank you for your patience on meeting nights. Thank you for your support at every Installation, Ladies Night and charity drive. Lodge 281 has served St Johnston since 1757, and no Brother has carried this work on his own.
The Brethren hope you enjoyed every minute. We hope the next trip comes soon. And we promise to keep the dinner warm for you this time.
What Next?
Talk of the next outing has already started. If you have an idea for the next destination, pass the word to your other half and he will raise the matter at the next meeting. Or tell the ladies direct. They tend to get things organised faster.
